The interpretive question of normativity is a challenge that confronts the reader of the biblical text, particularly as it relates to the book of Acts. The task of reading the biblical text in a way that allows it to speak its message and that enables it to make the transition from the first-century into the twenty-first century is often anything but straightforward and as such requires a responsible approach to reading on the part of the interpreter. Based upon the challenges directly associated with reading the book of Acts, with special attention paid to the contribution of sociological criticism, four principles for reading that are characterized by cultural analysis, narrative structure, theological impact and personal faith have been developed in order to assist the reader in considering essential elements related to the quest for normativity. By holding these principles in balance, the reader will be given the opportunity to construct a meaningful foundation for interpretation that may be followed by application of five guidelines for normativity identified as a subset of the proposed principles. Analyses of Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-35 demonstrate the application of the principles for responsible reading and the guidelines for normativity by considering normative versus non-normative practices of the early church in the context of the community of goods. Evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the principles for responsible reading identify the positive contribution of this thesis as well as areas that require further study and development. / Thesis / Master of Theological Studies (MTS)